Print edition for July 22, 1999

Binion often kept huge sums of cash at home, ex-wife says: Ted Binion often kept $100,000 to $1 million in cash at his home, his former wife has told homicide detectives.

Poor on the range: A federal program designed to protect the nation's wild horses and burros pays more to domesticate the animals than to keep them wild, officials said.

Ethics chief cleared old business at end: CARSON CITY -- On her last day in office, the chairwoman of the state Ethics Commission signed final decisions clearing former Las Vegas Mayor Jan Jones of two complaints and finding that former Clark County Treasurer Mark Aston was a "reckless and obstreperous public servant" who misused tax money.

Boyd Gaming reports net income jump: Revenue slipped to $241.9 million from $245.5 million, mainly because of the closure of Sam's Town Kansas City last July.

1994-'98 crime statistics: Homicide: 1994 -- 22, .3; 1998 -- 16, .1

Aug. 2 hearing set for convention center suit: State Judge James C. Mahan will consider the defendants' motion to dismiss the case. The Venetian sued earlier this month, attempting to block the county's issuance of $150 million in municipal tax-free bonds to fund the 1.3 million-square-foot expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Murphy, Tabish confidant agrees to cooperate: A 24-year-old woman who spent time with Ted Binion's accused killers in the hours before and after his Sept. 17 murder has agreed to cooperate with prosecutors.

Court throws out $33 million slot suit award: On Tuesday the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington ruled that WMS had not "literally" infringed on IGT's Telnaes patent. The court, however, said the IGT slot technology patent was still valid and said WMS had violated that patent under the "doctrine of equivalents."

Antitrust lawsuit filed over A.C. slot deals: An Alliance subsidiary, Bally Gaming Inc., filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday in Camden, N.J., against IGT.

Nursing panel backs alternative therapies: Art Nadler; A long-standing request by nurses to practice certain alternative therapies was approved Wednesday by the advisory committee to the Nevada State Board of Nursing.

Dental school's opening delayed: The reason given for the delay in the start-up date is the complex accreditation process.

Identity of body found in trailer still a mystery: Kim Smith; They don't know what his hair color was, or if he had a beard or freckles or birthmarks.

Las Vegas news briefs for July 22, 1999: The Bureau of Land Management is hosting its first-ever wild horse adoption via satellite next month, allowing people from all over the country to lodge bids from their living rooms.

Mirage paying for info on Trump: David Strow; The Las Vegas private investigator who said he provided confidential Mirage Resorts documents to arch-rival Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts has reversed course and is now on the Mirage payroll, court documents show.

Ormsby House sale could go on indefinitely: "We've had some serious people taking a look," Nelson said. "But there has to be a firm offer made, and so far nothing is real firm."

North Las Vegas: Serious crimes on the decline: Cheryl Miller; Serious crime has dropped more than 7 percent in four years in North Las Vegas, a city tagged by critics as a haven for gang activity, drugs and thefts.

Restaurant seeks high rise in exchange for walkway: Adrienne Packer; An ongoing battle over a proposed pedestrian bridge that has pitted two Strip casino owners against a popular restaurant might finally be settled in August, when both sides pitch their arguments to the Clark County Commission.

Help needy children go to summer camp: Anthony has special-needs brothers that he could use a break from. But because he comes from such a large family his parents can't afford to send him.

LV firm posts sixth consecutive profit: This is the sixth consecutive profitable quarter for CDS, which underwent a restructuring last year.

IGT sales increase; net flat: IGT reported net income for the quarter ended July 3 of $34.3 million, or 36 cents a share, compared with net of $45.6 million, or 40 cents a share, in the fiscal 1998 third quarter. Revenue rose to $258.9 million from $223 million.

Construction defects alleged in condos: Verde Viejo owners allege the condominium units had defects in "design, manufacture, acoustic and structural assemblies, plumbing, thermal and fire safety features."

Utility to beat analysts' estimates: In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Southwest projected that its net loss will be about one-third the consensus analyst estimate.

IRS won't appeal ruling on casino meals tax: David Strow; The Internal Revenue Service has surrendered its fight to impose a meals tax on casino employees, ending the agency's three-year legal battle with the gaming industry.

Housing downturn projected: The Las Vegas-area housing industry can expect a downturn in the next six months.

Suit filed over CEO defection: The lawsuit, filed in state court, also names Behavioral Health Corp., operator of Montevista Hospital of Las Vegas, as a defendant. Alan Chapman, former CEO of Charter-Las Vegas, is now the CEO of Montevista.

Interest in LV as relocation site remains strong: Interest in the Las Vegas area continues to boom among businesses considering relocating.

Obituaries for July 22, 1999: Harry Edward Brady, 72, of Las Vegas died Monday in a local hospital. He was born Sept. 1, 1926, in Ohio. A resident for 3 1/2 years, he was a retired painter and a World War II Army veteran.

Bear shot after he broke into a home: But when Blondie broke in to one resident's house, the homeowner griped and Blondie's fate was sealed.

Fire officials: Sheep a success in helping reduce fire danger: "The sheep have proven they can reduce fuel levels," said Don Henderson, deputy administrative specialist for the Nevada Division of Agriculture. "You can see how much less fuel there is in the grazed area as opposed to the ungrazed."

Belle of the Bowl: Steve Carp; Her husband is a high school football coach. Her son is a football player. And she runs a college bowl game.

Investigators think transients started fire: Reno fire inspector Bill Burney said it looks like the fire was set, rather than accidental, and transients frequent the area.

Finance director concerned room taxes not recently audited: But the RSCVA also is supposed to conduct audits from time to time and Finance Director Tim Smith said that hasn't been happening recently.

Man sentenced in fatal car crash: Bill Gang; A Las Vegas man who fled on foot into the rugged Mount Charleston terrain after a collision left a 2-year-old girl dead has been sentenced to the maximum prison term of 12 to 30 years.

County official in legal spat: Bill Gang; The job of Clark County Public Administrator Jared Shafer is to oversee some estates and guardianships and protect the people and assets involved -- not himself.

Witness' credibility at heart of jury deliberations in murder case: Bill Gang; As the jury in the Bryan Keith Robinson murder trial began its second day of deliberations today, the focus was on the credibility of the principal witness that the case hinges on, a woman who said she saw the defendant level a pistol and fire at the victim.

Karpov may sue over LV tourney: World chess champion Anatoly Karpov, whose anger over a championship tournament scheduled last October at the Bellagio resulted in its cancellation, is considering filing a suit to stop another international tournament set to begin July 30 at Caesars Palace, his spokesman says.

Opinions of health experts at odds over latest diet fad: Art Nadler; In the never-ending battle of the bulge, a powerful new diet pill hit the market in April and appears to be gathering steam in Las Vegas.

Yucca environmental statement held up: The release of a draft environmental impact statement on a proposed nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain has been delayed at least a week, a Department of Energy official said.

Nevada taxable sales up 10 percent: CARSON CITY -- Strong business in Southern Nevada's bars and restaurants helped push state taxable sales to $2.3 billion in May, an increase of 10 percent from a year ago.

North Las Vegas: Concerns raised over police contract: Sonya Padgett; Claiming unfair representation from their union, North Las Vegas corrections officers unsuccessfully asked city officials Wednesday to delay ratification of the $561,500 Police Officers Association supervisor contract and launch an investigation into a possible fixed union vote.

Technology index ranks Nevada 21st in nation: Nevada ranked first in three categories, but near or at the bottom in three others.

NLV to upgrade computer systems: The City Council Wednesday approved the purchase from Hansen Information Technologies.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Stodgy PGA decides to cut caddies a break: Viewers who tune into this weekend's John Deere Classic in Illinois will witness history being made on two fronts.

New filing fee for harassment victims draws complaints: Bill Gang; Harassed? Stalked? Need a temporary protective order from the Las Vegas Justice Court?

Columnist Paula DelGiudice: Commissioners have full plate: Paula DelGiudice; The Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners will meet Saturday in Elko at Great Basin College to establish seasons and bag limits for upland game, waterfowl and furbearers for the 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 seasons.

Community news briefs for July 22, 1999: A decorative tole painting workshop, sponsored by the City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department will be from 1-4 p.m. Saturday at the Silver Springs Recreation Center, 1951 Silver Springs Parkway. Participation is open to those 13 or older for $35.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: A painful life lesson: THE SEA has given up its mystery to the power of the United States Navy and Coast Guard. In doing so, it may give some finality to the families of John Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr., his wife, Carolyn, and her sister, Lauren.

Moapa Valley tandem shines as East romps: Spencer Patterson; In a game filled with the biggest names in Southern Nevada prep baseball, two players from the state's smallest American Legion program took center stage Wednesday night.

Fishing report -- Las Vegas area -- July 22, 1999: Casting lures to feeding stripers is taking small fish from the lake's surface while trollers are finding bigger fish in deeper water. Fishing at night with anchovies has been taking stripers as well.

Page wants to unify the welterweight championship: Dean Juipe; There's no escaping the fact that even knowledgeable boxing fans refer to James Page as "the other" welterweight champion.

Columnist Steve Carp: Let bettors beware at ol' Del Mar: Steve Carp; For those of you who plan to spend the next few days in the racebooks of Las Vegas, we bring you the following public service announcement:

Columnist Dean Juipe: Joppy to meet Pitt in return to ring: Dean Juipe; The last time World Boxing Association middleweight champ William Joppy fought in Las Vegas, he was making mincemeat of the legendary Roberto Duran.

Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Odd equation: Math and Congress: Ruthe Deskin; My sympathy goes to the high school students who have failed the math test required for graduation.

'Hunchback' will debut at Paris: Gary Thompson; Las Vegas took a giant leap forward as an entertainment venue Wednesday when producers announced they'll stage the American debut of the most successful musical in French history at Paris-Las Vegas.

Editorial: President Clinton delivers relief help: Along with the assistance in helping restore public projects, such as the damage done to the county's flood control projects, the presidential declaration allows qualified homeowners to get grants and makes small businesses eligible for low-interest loans if they've suffered significant flood damage. The federal government's assistance is appreciated and should help those valley residents affected start the difficult task of rebuilding so that they can get on with their lives.

Bruton's Texas track to get world's 'finest drag strip': Las Vegas Motor Speedway's new drag strip held the title as the world's finest facility of its kind for less than 24 hours.

Letter: School names least of educational woes: This is nothing short of amazing in that only one person gave public testimony on the district's $2 billion annual budget that was forwarded to the state containing millions of dollars worth of arithmetic mistakes.

Letter: Republicans won't allow for change: When your child needs emergency care, when your wife suffers a catastrophic illness and your HMO inserts a business entity between your doctor and your wife or child, and that entity makes medical decisions that could mean life or death -- without fear of consequences -- will you remember those Republicans who voted for them?

Letter: JFK Jr.'s death saddens a nation: Our hearts are heavy once again.

Letter: Republicans silent on draft-dodging George W. Bush: While many Americans made a good faith enlistment in the National Guard during the Vietnam War, others used power and influence to join the Guard and thus escape serving in Vietnam.

Editorial: 'Hammer' intent on meddling: The question, then, is why would this congressman from Texas -- who also is a member of the House GOP leadership and known as the "Hammer" for his hardball politics -- be so interested in this local matter? DeLay contends he opposes this because an expanded convention center would deny Houston an opportunity to compete with Las Vegas for trade shows. But the real answer, it appears, resides elsewhere: This is all about pleasing Venetian owner Sheldon Adelson, who is one of the Republican Party's biggest contributors and an opponent of the LVCVA's expansion plans. Adelson, whose Sands Expo Center ...

Columnist Joe Delaney: Can 'Rat Pack' substantiate its asking price?: Joe Delaney; Making the rounds: Last Thursday, it was "The Rat Pack Is Back," in a lounge that is now called simply The Starlight at the Desert Inn. ... We had to miss Wednesday's press night. ... Thursday's show was "Invitation only." ... Audiences such as this are not the norm. ... This is a similar situation to "Night Madness" (San Remo) a night earlier when visiting basketball players and a principal's friends predominated.

Little River Band holds VIP preview of casino: Officials have said the casino can acquire a strong percentage of the Michigan market, rivaling the $260-million Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mount Pleasant.

Ontario casino will compete with three Detroit gambling houses: The casino, which will be located within an hour's drive of the four gambling houses, will be substantially smaller than Casino Windsor and the three casinos planned for Detroit. But Canadian officials feel they can still lure away some of those customers to the new gambling venue.

Casino construction isn't waiting on lawsuit outcome: U.S. District Judge Gerald Rosen is expected to rule soon on whether the city's casino process should go forward. Businessman Don Barden charged that the casino selection process was unconstitutional because Greektown and MotorCity were granted preferences in city and state laws legalizing Detroit casinos.

American Legion baseball standings -- July 22, 1999: (Through July 18)

Box score: Stars 4, Redbirds 2: Las Vegas

Friday at Del Mar: 1st race 1 mi 3YO&up Mdn: 1 Blewpy (Nakatani) 118; 2 Hushed Victory (Solis) 118; 3 Estrella Prisa (Valdez) 118; 4 Irish Gramps (Flores) 118; 5 Continental Red (Antley) 118; 6 St. Paddy's Prize (Pincay) 123.

Friday at Belmont Park: 1st race 1 mi 1 fur 3YO&up Clm: 1 Mickeray (Luzzi) 116; 2 a-Royal Ensign (Gryder) 116; 3 Lonsdale (Espinoza) 116; 4 a-Iron Gavel (Gryder) 116; 5 Cherokee Focus (Lovato) 116; 6 Vito Bandito (Velazquez) 116; 7 Unforgiven Affair (Chavez) 116; 8 Alyswell (Beitia) 116; 9 Deputy General (Bridgmohan) 116.

Fight schedule: At Des Moines, (ESPN2), David Telesco, Port Chester, N.Y., vs. Drake Thadzi, Malawi, 10, light heavyweights; Jimmy Crawford, Grinnell, Iowa, vs. Joe Hughes, Stony Point, N.Y., 10, super middleweights.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Friday's races at Del Mar: 1ST RACE

National racing schedules and standings: Feb. 14 - Daytona 500, Daytona Beach, Fla. (Jeff Gordon)

This week's races: Pennsylvania 500

Airport attorney agree on need for environmental study: People who live near the airport don't want the hub because it not only will add new flights in and out of the airport, but will mean planes leaving early in the morning. Some will be noisier Boeing 727s.

Gov's staff chief talking with Bush campaign: Ernaut noted Guinn's role as head of the Bush campaign in Nevada and the involvement of other high-profile Nevadans, including Las Vegas media mogul Sig Rogich who for years has assisted Republicans.

Goodman says he's making headway handling problems, image issue: Robert Macy; In his weekly news conference Thursday, Goodman told of attending a reception in Washington, D.C. recently while in the nation's capital to meet with lobbyists and federal officials.

Hammargren elected chairman of Clark County GOP: In his unpaid job, Hammargren will be responsible for raising money and organizing registration programs and grass-roots efforts to help GOP candidates for the next two years.

Private prison may come to Stagecoach: Ochipinti said his firm builds low- to medium-security prisons with starting pay scales slightly lower than local sheriff's departments. The prison he envisions for Stagecoach would likely open with about 125 employees.